Politician Cyril Smith did abuse boys, police say

Cyril Smith did abuse boys, police have acknowledged. Picture: PA

Police acknowledged for the first time last night that the late politician Sir Cyril Smith sexually and physically abused young boys in the 1960s.

Smith, pictured, elected to parliament in 1972, was dogged by rumours of abuse throughout his career, but charges were never brought. Both Greater Manchester Police (GMP) and the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) said if Smith had been accused today he would be charged and prosecuted.

A GMP spokesman said: “The force is now publicly acknowledging that young boys were victims of physical and sexual abuse committed by Smith.”